The DRC has called for UN sanctions against Rwanda, accusing it of sending troops, which constitutes a “declaration of war.” As M23 forces advance towards Goma, several peacekeepers have died in clashes. The DRC’s government seeks targeted sanctions against Rwandan officials and has urged for immediate international action to address the escalating violence.
On Sunday, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) urged the United Nations to impose sanctions on Rwanda, claiming the latter has enacted a “declaration of war” by deploying additional troops across the border. This military reinforcement allegedly supports the Rwandan-backed M23 militia, which is reportedly advancing toward Goma, the capital of North Kivu province. The DRC’s accusation comes amid an escalation in violence, with multiple foreign peacekeepers reported dead in recent clashes.
Rwanda has been accused of sending between 500 and 1,000 soldiers to bolster M23 forces near Goma. Congolese Foreign Minister Therese Kayikwamba Wagner condemned this action as an overt violation of national sovereignty, calling it “a frontal assault.” She urged the UN Security Council to impose targeted sanctions, including asset freezes and travel bans on Rwandan officials, in response to these aggressive maneuvers.
Relations between the DRC and Rwanda have deteriorated significantly, evidenced by the withdrawal of diplomats from each nation. Following the cancellation of peace talks between Rwandan President Paul Kagame and DRC’s Felix Tshisekedi, the M23 advanced towards Goma. The city, already housing over a million residents and displaced persons, has faced heavy shelling as fighting intensifies.
As international condemnation of Rwanda’s role in the conflict grows, calls for a ceasefire have emerged from the African Union and the United States. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged Rwanda to cease its support for M23 and withdraw its troops from DRC territory, emphasizing the urgent need for an end to hostilities to protect civilians.
Historically, the UN Security Council has refrained from identifying Rwanda as a participant in DRC conflicts. However, a recent UN report alleged that Kigali is profiting from the conflict by exploiting the DRC’s mineral resources through the M23. Kayikwamba urged for a complete export embargo on Rwandan-labeled minerals, especially gold, to counter these actions.
The conflict has resulted in significant loss of life among peacekeepers, with recent reports indicating that 13 soldiers have been killed, including members from South Africa and Malawi. Amidst the increasing violence, the UN has begun evacuating non-essential personnel from Goma to safety in Uganda and Kinshasa. The DRC’s call for UN intervention underscores the urgent need for immediate action to restore peace in the region.
The Democratic Republic of Congo is currently facing significant unrest, particularly in its eastern regions where armed groups, including the Rwandan-backed M23 militia, have been engaged in violent conflict against Congolese forces. The DRC’s government has accused Rwanda of violating its sovereignty and exacerbating the conflict by sending troops to aid their militias. International responses are critical as the region has witnessed prolonged instability, with ongoing violence affecting both local populations and international peacekeeping efforts.
The Democratic Republic of Congo has escalated its calls for international intervention against Rwanda’s military actions, labeling them a ‘declaration of war.’ With increased violence around the strategic city of Goma and a rising death toll among peacekeepers, the urgency for UN sanctions is apparent. There is a pressing need for a ceasefire and withdrawal of foreign troops to restore stability and security in the region.
Original Source: www.dailygazette.com
